Supreme Court Asks Ex-Intelligence Chief Prabhakar Rao To Reset i-Cloud Password With Police In Telangana Phone Tapping Case
It was submitted by the State that Rao has formatted all the electronic devices, which were seized by the police for investigation.
Justice B.V. Nagarathna, Justice R. Mahadevan, Supreme Court
Today, the Supreme Court asked T. Prabhakar Rao, an Ex-Intelligence Chief, who was accused in Telengana phone tapping case, to reset the password of i-cloud in presence of forensic experts and share with police.
Earlier, the State submitted before the Supreme Court that Rao, prime accused in the case, wiped his iPhones and an official laptop while enjoying interim protection from arrest.
The Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan heard the matter and observed, "As and when the petitioner is summoned, he shall take steps to reset and activate the password of the personal digital devices in the presence of forensic experts."
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for State, submitted that Rao did corporate during the investigation. Moreso, Rao has formatted all the electronic devices before submitting them to the investigation agency.
While Senior Advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, appearing for Rao, submitted that Rao did corporate and said, "I was summoned 11 times and interrogated for 18 hours... All that is video recorded. So whether I have cooperated or not can be decided." Naidu also informed the Bench that Rao forgot the password of iCloud.
Further, Naidu apprised the Court that private persons which were affected by the Phone Tapping, such as MLAs, Judges, Businessmen, etc. were called to interrogate Rao.
Upon which, Justice Nagarathna expressed concern, “It cannot be a tamasha! How can MPs and MLAs come in and interrogate?... They cannot be spectators or part of the investigation.”
While denying the allegations, Mehta clarified that there was confrontation by one person, apart from that, all the interrogation was done by the Investigating Officer.
Again, while arguing Mehta emphasised, "All official digital devices were taken by him, which he formatted... it's not political, it's something very very serious."
Further, Mehta emphasised that due the conduct of Rao, custodial investigation is extremely important as he has been blowing hot and cold in the matter.
"What do you propose to do with him?", asked Justice Nagarathna.
"We will question him. He has been giving evasive replies", replied Mehta.
After hearing the parties at length, the Court recorded in its Order, "As and when the petitioner is summoned, he shall take steps to reset and activate the password of the personal digital devices in the presence of forensic experts."
The Bench also extended the protection granted to the Rao until the next date of hearing.
Cause Title: T. Prabhakar Rao v. State of Telangana (SLP(Crl) No. 7354/2025)